What Are the Legal and Medical Advantages of IVF and Surrogacy Programs in Georgia?

Infertility/IVF in Georgia

For many couples struggling with infertility, the Republic of Georgia has emerged as a beacon of hope. Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, this small nation offers something very few other countries do: a surrogacy-friendly legal framework combined with high-quality, affordable medical care. Unlike many nations where surrogacy laws are gray or restrictive, Georgia has explicitly regulated and protected these reproductive rights since 1997.

But it is not just about legality; it is about peace of mind. In Georgia, the law stands firmly on the side of the intended parents. You don't have to worry about a long adoption battle or the surrogate changing her mind. Combine this with state-of-the-art IVF clinics that rival those in Western Europe, and you have a destination that is reshaping the global landscape of reproductive medicine.

Whether you are just starting your research or comparing countries, let's dive deep into the specific legal protections and medical benefits that make Georgia a top choice for international parents.

Is surrogacy legal for foreigners in Georgia?

Georgia is one of the few countries globally that explicitly legalizes commercial surrogacy. This means that paying a surrogate mother for her services is not only allowed but is a regulated contract protected by law. This distinction is crucial because it removes the "black market" risks found in countries where only altruistic (unpaid) surrogacy is permitted.

While there have been discussions and draft laws in recent years regarding potential restrictions, as of early 2026, the programs remain open and operational for international heterosexual couples. Agencies and clinics operate transparently, with contracts that are enforceable in Georgian courts.

Whose names appear on the baby's birth certificate?

This is perhaps the single biggest legal advantage of Georgia. In many other countries (like the UK), the surrogate is considered the legal mother at birth, and parents must apply for a parental order to transfer rights. In Georgia, this is not the case.

Under Georgian law, the surrogate mother has no parental rights to the child. The moment the child is born, the hospital issues a birth certificate listing only the Intended Parents. You do not need the surrogate's consent to register the baby, ensuring a smooth transition to returning home.

How much does surrogacy cost in Georgia vs. the USA?

Cost is often the deciding factor for families. Georgia offers a "sweet spot" of affordability without compromising on medical safety. The lower cost of living in Georgia allows clinics to offer premium services—including medication, legal fees, and surrogate compensation—at a fraction of Western prices.

Who is eligible for surrogacy in Georgia?

Georgia maintains conservative eligibility criteria. The law was designed to help infertile couples build families. Therefore, you must be a heterosexual couple. Clinics will require a marriage certificate (apostilled) or, in some cases, proof of a long-term partnership (de facto relationship), though marriage is the safest and most common route.

Additionally, you usually need to provide a medical letter stating the necessity for surrogacy (e.g., absence of a uterus, Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome, or repeated IVF failures).

What are the medical standards of IVF clinics in Georgia?

Do not mistake "lower cost" for "lower quality." Many top clinics in Tbilisi are branches of global fertility networks or are founded by doctors trained in the USA and Europe. They utilize advanced technologies like PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing) and time-lapse embryo monitoring.

The success rates for IVF cycles in Georgia hover around 50-60% per transfer, rising to over 90% in cumulative attempts or "Guaranteed" programs using egg donors.

What is a "Guaranteed Baby" program?

This is a unique medical and financial advantage available in Georgia. In a standard pay-as-you-go model, if the first transfer fails, you pay for the next one. In a Guaranteed Program, you pay one lump sum. If the surrogate miscarries or the transfer fails, the clinic covers the cost of the next attempt, the medication, and even a new surrogate if necessary.

This model shifts the financial risk from the parents to the clinic, ensuring that you do not leave the country without a baby or a refund (depending on the specific contract).

Do I need to adopt the baby after birth?

In countries like Ukraine or parts of the USA, there might be post-birth court hearings. In Georgia, the process is administrative. You present your surrogacy contract and the hospital birth document to the Civil Registry, and they issue the birth certificate.

This efficient process significantly reduces the time you need to stay in the country after the birth, although you still need to wait for your home country's embassy to issue a passport for the baby.

Can we use an egg donor in Georgia?

Georgia has a large pool of egg donors, typically young women (age 18-30) who undergo strict medical and psychological screening. While donation is technically anonymous (you usually won't meet the donor), clinics provide extensive profiles.

This allows intended parents to select a donor who resembles them or meets specific criteria regarding education or physical traits. Using a donor significantly increases the success rate of the surrogacy program.

Are the surrogates screened medically and psychologically?

The medical advantage here is the rigorous vetting. By law and clinic policy, a woman cannot become a surrogate if she has a history of high-risk pregnancies or certain chronic conditions. She must have proven her fertility by giving birth to her own healthy child previously.

Clinics also screen for infectious diseases, drug use, and psychological stability to ensure she is prepared for the emotional journey of carrying a child for someone else.

Can single men or same-sex couples do surrogacy in Georgia?

It is important to be realistic about eligibility. Georgia's laws are specific to heterosexual couples. If you are a single man or a same-sex couple, you will not be able to obtain the birth certificate with your name(s) on it under current Georgian legislation.

For these groups, other destinations in Latin America or North America offer legally secure alternatives that are more inclusive.

What documents are required to start the process?

The paperwork is relatively straightforward but strict. The marriage certificate is the most critical document. It must be apostilled (internationally certified) in your home country before you arrive.

The medical letter helps establish the legal ground for surrogacy, proving that the procedure is medically necessary and not just a lifestyle choice, which aligns with Georgian regulations.

Is there a risk of the laws changing?

Transparency is key. There was a proposed bill to limit surrogacy to Georgian citizens, but it has faced delays and has not been implemented to date. The industry remains robust, but "grandfather clauses" are often discussed to protect any couples already in the process should laws change.

Working with a reputable agency ensures you are kept up-to-date on any legislative shifts that might affect your journey.

Start Your Journey to Parenthood

Navigating international surrogacy laws can be complex, but you don't have to do it alone. Connect with verified clinics in Georgia that offer secure, all-inclusive packages.

Find the best IVF and surrogacy solutions tailored to your family's needs.